Letter to the editor: Good diversions

To the editor:

My thanks to the Lawrence Journal-World for recent reporting on Douglas County’s diversion program. This far-sighted program, administered by our district attorney’s office, strives to turn around the lives of individuals charged for the first time with a criminal offense, usually a misdemeanor. If the individual is able to adhere to the requirements of the diversion process, he or she can avoid a criminal conviction record and its accompanying impact on future employment.

The entire community benefits by having these individuals become productive members of society rather than possible second offenders. In addition, public safety is enhanced, and tax savings are realized through decreased demands on our district court and jail system. We are indeed fortunate that our county government carries out this restorative justice program on behalf of all of us.